Classification (Taxonomy) Naming and classifying of ALL living organisms Based on similarities in form and structure (not appearance) Eight basic levels Domain Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species

3 Domains & 6 Kingdoms

Living things are usually referred to by their genus and species…Humans are called homo sapiens (D) Eukaryote (K) Animal (P) Vertebrate (C) Mammal (O) Primate (F) Hominid (G) Homo (S) Sapiens

Symmetry Bilateral – divided in half by a line, parts are mirror images Radial – body parts arranged around a central point Asymetrical – can’t be evenly divided, no symmetry

Vertebrates Invertebrates Have backbones and endoskeletons Cold blooded (ectothermic) or warm blooded (endothermic) Five Groups Fish Reptiles Amphibians Birds Mammals 97% of ALL animals No backbones Exoskeletons Includes many groups such as arthropods, sponges, insects and mollusks

Metamorphosis Many invertebrates (and some vertebrates) go through the process A change in body form as the life cycle continues